How goes it Bobcat fans! My apologies for not blogging the past two soccer games. Things have been hectic with the beginning of basketball around the corner, soccer playoffs heating up, and, oh yeah, school.
No excuse though!
Georgia College soccer tied this past Wednesday at USC Aiken 1-1 in Aiken, SC. The Pacers drew first blood in the first period and led at intermission. Thankfully, sophomore Haley O'Hayer powered home a second half score (the first of her career) to deadlock the game at one apiece. The game went to double OT, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Saturday ends the regular season for the Bobcats. Georgia College (7-6-2, 4-3-2 Peach Belt Conf.) travels on the road facing off against the University of Montevallo (5-10-2, 3-5,1 PBC).
Offense has been GC's problem of late. We can't just get the big goal when it matters most. The Bobcat freshman have been keyed in on by other teams, while at the same time, the caliber of competition has risen.
Over the past five games, the Bobcats have only mustered one goal, while allowing four. Let's hope we can find our offense before the PBC Tourney starts this Tuesday.
(Reminder: We do know that the Bobcats will be on the road in round 1, as spots one through four are locked by Armstrong, Columbus, North Georgia and UNC Pembroke. However, we do not know the opponent. Most likely, GC will be up against UNC Pembroke or North Georgia. Both teams play on Saturday to determine the no.3 and 4 seed)
Enough about other squads, though! Here are the keys to a 'Cat victory on the seasons final day:
1) SCORE FIRST: The Bobcats can not afford to play from behind like we have over the past five contests. Scoring first will ease the pressure on the defense and offense and start to open up more options as the game progresses.
2) SENIORS: This is the last regular season road game for the Bobcat seniors. I'll be looking for vocal, physical and mental leadership from the ladies on yet another "last" being experienced.
3) FRESHMAN FORWARDS/MIDFIELD: Brittany Borror, Katie Taylor, Taylor Yee, Alex Knight and the other key youngsters have shown wonderful signs of maturing into lethal players. Can they do it again during what has been a rough five game stretch for GC?
4) RELAX: Sometimes teams put too much pressure on themselves. Relax, take a deep breath, and don't fret over the game. Soccer is a universal sport. While there are multiple styles of play, the Bobcats still play with the same ball and play on a grass surface. Head Coach Hope Clark has stated this multiple times. Let's hope the ladies listen.
I will keep you updated on the conference playoff situation here on the blog and on the airwaves! Listen in on http://www.gcsuradio.com/ at 4:20 et! 'Cats vs. Falcons at Varsity Field in Montevallo, AL on the seasons final day! Doesn't get much better.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
GCSU Falls at UNC Pembroke; Time to Travel to No.10 Columbus State
Things haven't been to good for the past week or so for the GCSU women's soccer team.
Georgia College, in its last three games, is winless, with two losses and one draw.
This past Wednesday, the 'Cats fell on the road in North Carolina to conference foe UNC Pembroke 2 to 0. Despite outshooting the Braves, the Bobcats were unable to nail home a goal in the contest.
But head coach Hope Clark has not given up on the team just yet. Granted, the odds of hosting a playoff game in round one of the Peach Belt tournament are slim, that still doesn't mean the season is lost.
Now, it's time for national powerhouse Columbus State on Saturday. The Cougars are ranked no. 1o in the nation and for a good reason: power on both ends of the ball.
So, here are the keys to GCSU's success this Saturday.
1) FINISH: Georgia College has gotten great looks at the goal, but the Bobcats are slightly off on the shot location. Columbus State allows opponents just four shots on goal per game this year. Capitalizing on opportunities is crucial.
2) URGENCY: We're headed down to the end of the season with only three games remaining counting this one against Columbus. How bad do the ladies want to win in October and going into November is a question we will have to wait and answer ourselves.
3) STEP UP: Who is going to be the player(s) that play their best when it matters the most? Will it be the fantastic freshman? Sophomores? Juniors? Seniors? Whoever it is, it must come fast.
4) COMMUNICATION: This is key in all parts of the game. I'd like to see Georgia College's defense communicate better when their backs are against the wall when they're being pressured.
Other stories will take place throughout Saturdays contest in Columbus.
Join me for the action at 3:20 on www.gcsuradio.com ! First kick is set for 3:30!
Georgia College, in its last three games, is winless, with two losses and one draw.
This past Wednesday, the 'Cats fell on the road in North Carolina to conference foe UNC Pembroke 2 to 0. Despite outshooting the Braves, the Bobcats were unable to nail home a goal in the contest.
But head coach Hope Clark has not given up on the team just yet. Granted, the odds of hosting a playoff game in round one of the Peach Belt tournament are slim, that still doesn't mean the season is lost.
Now, it's time for national powerhouse Columbus State on Saturday. The Cougars are ranked no. 1o in the nation and for a good reason: power on both ends of the ball.
So, here are the keys to GCSU's success this Saturday.
1) FINISH: Georgia College has gotten great looks at the goal, but the Bobcats are slightly off on the shot location. Columbus State allows opponents just four shots on goal per game this year. Capitalizing on opportunities is crucial.
2) URGENCY: We're headed down to the end of the season with only three games remaining counting this one against Columbus. How bad do the ladies want to win in October and going into November is a question we will have to wait and answer ourselves.
3) STEP UP: Who is going to be the player(s) that play their best when it matters the most? Will it be the fantastic freshman? Sophomores? Juniors? Seniors? Whoever it is, it must come fast.
4) COMMUNICATION: This is key in all parts of the game. I'd like to see Georgia College's defense communicate better when their backs are against the wall when they're being pressured.
Other stories will take place throughout Saturdays contest in Columbus.
Join me for the action at 3:20 on www.gcsuradio.com ! First kick is set for 3:30!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Bobcats Fall at No.25 North Georgia; Time for Senior Night vs. Flagler
Well, let's go back to the drawing board, shall we?
The GCSU women's soccer team lost their first conference game of the year this past Tuesday night in Dahlonega at no. 25 North Georgia. The Saints got a late goal off a corner kick with six and a hald minutes to play to put the 'Cats away. The loss for GCSU was also the first in almost a month of play.
Georgia College was outshot 9 to 3 in the second frame, evidence of not being able to control the ball for a substantial amount of time in the half. The only shot on goal by either team came from the goal scored by North Georgia! Unbelievable!
Now, it's time to regroup, refocus, and get ready for Flagler College on Senior Night 2010. Six seniors (Mary Rob Plunkett, Jessica Newland, Kelli McLane, All Treat, Jessica Binkowski, and Kayla Emerson) will all be honored during the festivities tonight at Bobcat Field. These young ladies have had a major positive impact on the soccer program, the GC athletic department, and those they come into contact with on a daily basis. Congrats to a special crew that can not be replaced!
Speaking of replacing, the Bobcats hope to replace that loss from this past Tuesday with a win against the Saints. Flagler comes in with a sub .500 record on the year, in desperate need for a win in hopes to garner one of the eight coveted spots in the Peach Belt Conference standings for a hopeful postseason berth.
The same can be said for GCSU.
With both teams anxious for a 'W,' lets look at the keys to tonight's contest:
1) MOVEMENT: Too many times did we see Georgia College stand still on both sides of the ball against North Georgia. In order to be successful, the Bobcats have to keep all players moving at all times. Passes must be crisper, and the player and ball movement has to be in sync throughout the ball game.
2) EFFORT/ENERGY: GC must play the full 90 minutes of the ball game. The effort was wonderful in the first half against North Georgia a few days ago, but the second half, it was evident that the Bobcats were starting to get fatigued. Let's hope the ladies have some pep in their step on a special night at Bobcat Field.
3) URGENCY: We are headed down the stretch run in conference play with only five games remaining. This game is important not only because it could possibly be the last home game of the year, but because you are fighting for one of the top eight spots in the standings in hopes to host a first round tournament game. I will be keeping an eye on how effective GCSU is this evening.
4) SMART: No mental lapses can occur tonight for GC. Let's play smart, controlled, organized soccer, and score when we have the opportunities!
Talk to you from Bobcat Field on Senior Night 2010! This is going to be great!
As always, tune in on www.gcsuradio.com (88.9 FM in Milledgeville) for all the action!
The GCSU women's soccer team lost their first conference game of the year this past Tuesday night in Dahlonega at no. 25 North Georgia. The Saints got a late goal off a corner kick with six and a hald minutes to play to put the 'Cats away. The loss for GCSU was also the first in almost a month of play.
Georgia College was outshot 9 to 3 in the second frame, evidence of not being able to control the ball for a substantial amount of time in the half. The only shot on goal by either team came from the goal scored by North Georgia! Unbelievable!
Now, it's time to regroup, refocus, and get ready for Flagler College on Senior Night 2010. Six seniors (Mary Rob Plunkett, Jessica Newland, Kelli McLane, All Treat, Jessica Binkowski, and Kayla Emerson) will all be honored during the festivities tonight at Bobcat Field. These young ladies have had a major positive impact on the soccer program, the GC athletic department, and those they come into contact with on a daily basis. Congrats to a special crew that can not be replaced!
Speaking of replacing, the Bobcats hope to replace that loss from this past Tuesday with a win against the Saints. Flagler comes in with a sub .500 record on the year, in desperate need for a win in hopes to garner one of the eight coveted spots in the Peach Belt Conference standings for a hopeful postseason berth.
The same can be said for GCSU.
With both teams anxious for a 'W,' lets look at the keys to tonight's contest:
1) MOVEMENT: Too many times did we see Georgia College stand still on both sides of the ball against North Georgia. In order to be successful, the Bobcats have to keep all players moving at all times. Passes must be crisper, and the player and ball movement has to be in sync throughout the ball game.
2) EFFORT/ENERGY: GC must play the full 90 minutes of the ball game. The effort was wonderful in the first half against North Georgia a few days ago, but the second half, it was evident that the Bobcats were starting to get fatigued. Let's hope the ladies have some pep in their step on a special night at Bobcat Field.
3) URGENCY: We are headed down the stretch run in conference play with only five games remaining. This game is important not only because it could possibly be the last home game of the year, but because you are fighting for one of the top eight spots in the standings in hopes to host a first round tournament game. I will be keeping an eye on how effective GCSU is this evening.
4) SMART: No mental lapses can occur tonight for GC. Let's play smart, controlled, organized soccer, and score when we have the opportunities!
Talk to you from Bobcat Field on Senior Night 2010! This is going to be great!
As always, tune in on www.gcsuradio.com (88.9 FM in Milledgeville) for all the action!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Bobcats Defeat Clayton State; Hit the Road to North Georgia
The 'Cats are on a roll!
Five in a row. Undefeated in conference play. And one of only two teams remaining in the Peach Belt with an unbeaten conference mark.
GCSU recently defeated PBC opponent Clayton State this past Saturday 4 to 1. GCSU scored two goals in each half, claiming the victory with ease. Georgia College got goals from junior Megan McAlpin, and freshman Taylor Yee, Brittany Borror and Katie Taylor.
I just can't say enough about this freshman class. Where would the 'Cats be without these three key newcomers? Certainly not in the position GCSU is in now!
An aside: 13 of the 20 goals have been scored by Coach Clarks freshman. Remarkable!
This week, we turn our attention to nationally ranked (#25 during last weeks poll) North Georgia and Flager. The Bobcats hit the road to Dahlonega early in the week (Tuesday) and then end on Saturday afternoon against Flagler on senior day.
Here are the keys to a victory for GCSU vs. nationally ranked North Georgia:
FYI...North Georgia is unbeaten in conference play, along with GCSU. This will be a good one!
(Note: The polls will be released when arriving to Dahlonega. Will update you on North Georgia's new ranking, if any different.)
1) ROAD WARRIOR MENTALITY: There are two ways to break down this season for Georgia College. One of those parts has already passed with the crucial eight game home stand. Going 7 and 1 at home over the past month, now it's time to hit the road for five of GCSU's final six games. It's imperative for the Bobcats to keep their composure, have an aggressive mindset, and to not lack mental focus. If GCSU can be successful away from Bobcat Field, the Peach Belt Tourney will shape up nicely for GC.
2) OFFENSIVE SPACING: Being away from your home field can present some problems. Soccer dimensions vary upon which venue you are visiting. Against North Georgia this week, the field is shorter in length and width (measuring 116 x 66). Therefore, when attacking on offense early, the Bobcats must get in position earlier when attacking. The outside forwards can not crowd the middle of the field. I'll be watching to see how successful McAlpin and Taylor are in accomplishing this task. By getting the offense spaced out early, the midfielders and forwards will be able to find better seams in the North Georgia defense throughout the game.
3) BACKFIELD: North Georgia is nationally ranked for a reason. Forward Samantha Abrahart has 10 goals on the season, while Casey Smith has 12 assists! The backfield for the Bobcats can not let either of these two players slip through on offense.
4) CONTINUE THE TREND: GCSU has beaten two ranked opponents this season thus far. In September, the Bobcats upset no. 13 Florida Tech. At the time it was the highest ranked opponent GC has beaten in program history. That was, until, no. 8 Armstrong Atlantic was upset on Bobcat Field last week 2 to 1. Why not knock off another one!
This is the first road trip in over a month for Georgia College since going to Boca Raton, Fla. to open the season at the first of September. Let's hope this is a good one at North Georgia.
Talk to you from the city of gold! GCSU vs. North Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains! First kick is set for 5 p.m. with air time at 4:50 on 88.9 FM in Milledgeville or online at www.gcsuradio.com.
Five in a row. Undefeated in conference play. And one of only two teams remaining in the Peach Belt with an unbeaten conference mark.
GCSU recently defeated PBC opponent Clayton State this past Saturday 4 to 1. GCSU scored two goals in each half, claiming the victory with ease. Georgia College got goals from junior Megan McAlpin, and freshman Taylor Yee, Brittany Borror and Katie Taylor.
I just can't say enough about this freshman class. Where would the 'Cats be without these three key newcomers? Certainly not in the position GCSU is in now!
An aside: 13 of the 20 goals have been scored by Coach Clarks freshman. Remarkable!
This week, we turn our attention to nationally ranked (#25 during last weeks poll) North Georgia and Flager. The Bobcats hit the road to Dahlonega early in the week (Tuesday) and then end on Saturday afternoon against Flagler on senior day.
Here are the keys to a victory for GCSU vs. nationally ranked North Georgia:
FYI...North Georgia is unbeaten in conference play, along with GCSU. This will be a good one!
(Note: The polls will be released when arriving to Dahlonega. Will update you on North Georgia's new ranking, if any different.)
1) ROAD WARRIOR MENTALITY: There are two ways to break down this season for Georgia College. One of those parts has already passed with the crucial eight game home stand. Going 7 and 1 at home over the past month, now it's time to hit the road for five of GCSU's final six games. It's imperative for the Bobcats to keep their composure, have an aggressive mindset, and to not lack mental focus. If GCSU can be successful away from Bobcat Field, the Peach Belt Tourney will shape up nicely for GC.
2) OFFENSIVE SPACING: Being away from your home field can present some problems. Soccer dimensions vary upon which venue you are visiting. Against North Georgia this week, the field is shorter in length and width (measuring 116 x 66). Therefore, when attacking on offense early, the Bobcats must get in position earlier when attacking. The outside forwards can not crowd the middle of the field. I'll be watching to see how successful McAlpin and Taylor are in accomplishing this task. By getting the offense spaced out early, the midfielders and forwards will be able to find better seams in the North Georgia defense throughout the game.
3) BACKFIELD: North Georgia is nationally ranked for a reason. Forward Samantha Abrahart has 10 goals on the season, while Casey Smith has 12 assists! The backfield for the Bobcats can not let either of these two players slip through on offense.
4) CONTINUE THE TREND: GCSU has beaten two ranked opponents this season thus far. In September, the Bobcats upset no. 13 Florida Tech. At the time it was the highest ranked opponent GC has beaten in program history. That was, until, no. 8 Armstrong Atlantic was upset on Bobcat Field last week 2 to 1. Why not knock off another one!
This is the first road trip in over a month for Georgia College since going to Boca Raton, Fla. to open the season at the first of September. Let's hope this is a good one at North Georgia.
Talk to you from the city of gold! GCSU vs. North Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains! First kick is set for 5 p.m. with air time at 4:50 on 88.9 FM in Milledgeville or online at www.gcsuradio.com.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Bobcats Find Treasure vs. #8 Armstrong Atlantic; Time for Clayton State
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome.
That's a way to describe the performance by the GCSU women's soccer team this past Wednesday night at Bobcat Field. The Bobcats upset the no. 8 team in the nation, defeating conference foe Armstrong Atlantic 2 to 1 on the home turf. GCSU garnered goals from freshman Brittany Borror off an assist by freshman Taylor Yee, with the game winner came from senior Kayla Emerson, all in the first half
This was the highest ranked opponent the Bobcats have defeated in program history. Just a few short weeks ago, Georgia College beat no. 13 Florida Tech.
Interestingly enough, all goals scored by GCSU in the past four games have come in one particular half of play.
After an exciting victory, Georgia College will now turn to conference member Clayton State. The Lakers are struggling this season, having only won one game in conference play.
So why is this game important for GCSU? Here are the reasons:
1) FOCUS: After defeating a ranked opponent (in any college sport), it is easy to let off the gas pedal and think all the hard work you've accomplished is complete. Therefore, the Bobcats must come out on Saturday afternoon with a sense of urgency. Clayton State is the type of team that can sneak up on you in a heartbeat. A lack of focus could cost GCSU a monumental loss on the season. Let's hope the ladies are mentally ready to compete.
2) PROTECT: This is the last game for GCSU on this eight game home stand. Let's protect the home turf! There's nothing like playing on your home field in front of your fans. Along with being mentally prepared, playing with pride on your home venue is equally important.
3) REALIZATION: Five of the next six games for Georgia College are on the road, including the Saturday, October 23 games against #2 Columbus State. It's imperative to start playing fundamental soccer. If GCSU carries mental errors into the final weeks of the season, it could possibly come back to haunt us. I'll be looking for Head Coach Hope Clark to keep the ladies focused.
4) FULL 90: This past Wednesday night against Armstrong Atlantic was a much better effort to play the full 90 minutes of action. This has to continue down the final stretch run for Georgia College to be successful. The ladies went through a rigorous preseason for a reason to be ready for a long and important stretch run at the end of 2010 campaign.
Let's end this home stand in style! Talk to you from Bobcat Field at 2:50 on www.gcsuradio.com or 88.9 FM in Milledgeville.
Soccer on your Saturday!
That's a way to describe the performance by the GCSU women's soccer team this past Wednesday night at Bobcat Field. The Bobcats upset the no. 8 team in the nation, defeating conference foe Armstrong Atlantic 2 to 1 on the home turf. GCSU garnered goals from freshman Brittany Borror off an assist by freshman Taylor Yee, with the game winner came from senior Kayla Emerson, all in the first half
This was the highest ranked opponent the Bobcats have defeated in program history. Just a few short weeks ago, Georgia College beat no. 13 Florida Tech.
Interestingly enough, all goals scored by GCSU in the past four games have come in one particular half of play.
After an exciting victory, Georgia College will now turn to conference member Clayton State. The Lakers are struggling this season, having only won one game in conference play.
So why is this game important for GCSU? Here are the reasons:
1) FOCUS: After defeating a ranked opponent (in any college sport), it is easy to let off the gas pedal and think all the hard work you've accomplished is complete. Therefore, the Bobcats must come out on Saturday afternoon with a sense of urgency. Clayton State is the type of team that can sneak up on you in a heartbeat. A lack of focus could cost GCSU a monumental loss on the season. Let's hope the ladies are mentally ready to compete.
2) PROTECT: This is the last game for GCSU on this eight game home stand. Let's protect the home turf! There's nothing like playing on your home field in front of your fans. Along with being mentally prepared, playing with pride on your home venue is equally important.
3) REALIZATION: Five of the next six games for Georgia College are on the road, including the Saturday, October 23 games against #2 Columbus State. It's imperative to start playing fundamental soccer. If GCSU carries mental errors into the final weeks of the season, it could possibly come back to haunt us. I'll be looking for Head Coach Hope Clark to keep the ladies focused.
4) FULL 90: This past Wednesday night against Armstrong Atlantic was a much better effort to play the full 90 minutes of action. This has to continue down the final stretch run for Georgia College to be successful. The ladies went through a rigorous preseason for a reason to be ready for a long and important stretch run at the end of 2010 campaign.
Let's end this home stand in style! Talk to you from Bobcat Field at 2:50 on www.gcsuradio.com or 88.9 FM in Milledgeville.
Soccer on your Saturday!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
GCSU Comes Back for Thrilling Win against Lander; Powerhouse Armstrong Atlantic Looms Ahead
The atmosphere wasn't pretty last weekend when the GCSU women's soccer team hit the field for their second conference match against Lander University. Raining the full 90 minutes, GCSU played in horrendous conditions all evening.
But the outcome was well worth it! GCSU defeated the Bearcats of Lander 2 to 1, coming back from a 1 goal deficit to claim the victory. GCSU trailed at the end of the first period, but scored two quick (and impressive) goals in the second period to put Georgia College ahead for good. Freshman Brittany Borror knotted things after receiving a pass in the box from freshman Katie Taylor. Borror turned on a dime, and got enough on the shot to literally slip it past Lander' keeper. GCSU's second score came eight minutes later when senior forward Kayla Emerson found the back nets, this time from Borror.
The effort these ladies present is outstanding!
Unfortunately, that effort like we saw at the beginning of the second period against Lander must be present the whole contest against no. 9 Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU). Head coach Chris Faulconer has a lethal team that can score goals in bunches (36 on the year) and a defense that can stop anything that gets in its way (6 goals allowed on the season).
So, with that being said, here's what Hope Clark's Bobcats can do for a victory:
1) DETERMINATION: As I alluded to earlier, GCSU must play the full 90 minutes of the match, or this thing could get ugly in a hurry. If GCSU's defense breaks down the slightest bit, Armstrong's talented forwards could break this game open quickly. I'll be looking for the GCSU back field to play strong. Sophomores Olivia Holden and Jamie Colcord will be tested, along with junior Tawnt Moffatt and senior Jessica Binkowski in the middle. These players cannot afford to let a player beat them with diagonal cuts, easy crosses, and simple passes. The defense must be turned up a notch.
The same can be said for the GCSU offense. How well players such as Taylor, Borror, juniors Megan McAlpin andKaren Bonilla, and sophomore Anna Wierzbicki handle the Pirate pressure will be imperative. Will the team be relaxed and play like they know they can? Will the team fold under pressure? We'll just have to wait and see. But one thing is for sure: without determination, this battle is lost. Head coach of UNC basketball Roy Williams and former UNC hoops coach Dean Smith say it perfect: "Play hard, play smart, play together."
2) FIELD: Last Wednesday was some of the worst weather Bobcat Field has endured since school began in August. With the players playing in muddy conditions, the field might have some odd spots present. Obviously the advantage is for GCSU due to being able to practice on it over the past week. It will be interesting to see if the field has any impact on the game, along with the cooler temperatures we're experiencing.
3) TEAMWORK: This is obvious. You have to play team oriented in any sport you participate. But for the ladies this Wednesday, this has to be the biggest aspect of the game if the Bobcats want a chance to win. Questions will have to be answered such as: "Does my team mate have a better shot? Do I want to keep the ball or send it off to the midfield. We have the possession, but cannot get anything going on this side of the field, I'm going to be unselfish and make the defense move." You get the drift. The ladies haven't had a problem with this all year long, but that aspect can get lost in a heart beat when playing against a highly ranked team.
4) HAVE FUN: Isn't that the point of all of this? Granted we all want to win at the end of the day, but if we give a 100 percent effort and have fun while playing, then at the end of the day, we're all winners. If the team is too tense, GCSU will not be able to get into a rhythm. Every sport requires rhythm: look at how the USA Golf Team did this past week. They waited too long to get into a rhythm. And GCSU can't afford to wait too long in this one.
I always say this, but more stories will unfold throughout the contest Wednesday night. Tune into the broadcast on WGUR 88.9 FM in Milledgeville or online at www.gcsuradio.com (listen live button). First kick is set for 6:30 p.m, while air time will be at 6:20. We hope you make your plans to join us.
Wednesday's game is special because:
a) I will be joined by former Bobcat great, Jamie Nevin, on the broadcast.
b) It is "Greek Night" at Bobcat Field. All sororities and fraternities will be present to raise money for their organization and to help those who are hungry. A great cause, as always, put on by the ladies of GC!
Talk to you from Bobcat Field!
But the outcome was well worth it! GCSU defeated the Bearcats of Lander 2 to 1, coming back from a 1 goal deficit to claim the victory. GCSU trailed at the end of the first period, but scored two quick (and impressive) goals in the second period to put Georgia College ahead for good. Freshman Brittany Borror knotted things after receiving a pass in the box from freshman Katie Taylor. Borror turned on a dime, and got enough on the shot to literally slip it past Lander' keeper. GCSU's second score came eight minutes later when senior forward Kayla Emerson found the back nets, this time from Borror.
The effort these ladies present is outstanding!
Unfortunately, that effort like we saw at the beginning of the second period against Lander must be present the whole contest against no. 9 Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU). Head coach Chris Faulconer has a lethal team that can score goals in bunches (36 on the year) and a defense that can stop anything that gets in its way (6 goals allowed on the season).
So, with that being said, here's what Hope Clark's Bobcats can do for a victory:
1) DETERMINATION: As I alluded to earlier, GCSU must play the full 90 minutes of the match, or this thing could get ugly in a hurry. If GCSU's defense breaks down the slightest bit, Armstrong's talented forwards could break this game open quickly. I'll be looking for the GCSU back field to play strong. Sophomores Olivia Holden and Jamie Colcord will be tested, along with junior Tawnt Moffatt and senior Jessica Binkowski in the middle. These players cannot afford to let a player beat them with diagonal cuts, easy crosses, and simple passes. The defense must be turned up a notch.
The same can be said for the GCSU offense. How well players such as Taylor, Borror, juniors Megan McAlpin andKaren Bonilla, and sophomore Anna Wierzbicki handle the Pirate pressure will be imperative. Will the team be relaxed and play like they know they can? Will the team fold under pressure? We'll just have to wait and see. But one thing is for sure: without determination, this battle is lost. Head coach of UNC basketball Roy Williams and former UNC hoops coach Dean Smith say it perfect: "Play hard, play smart, play together."
2) FIELD: Last Wednesday was some of the worst weather Bobcat Field has endured since school began in August. With the players playing in muddy conditions, the field might have some odd spots present. Obviously the advantage is for GCSU due to being able to practice on it over the past week. It will be interesting to see if the field has any impact on the game, along with the cooler temperatures we're experiencing.
3) TEAMWORK: This is obvious. You have to play team oriented in any sport you participate. But for the ladies this Wednesday, this has to be the biggest aspect of the game if the Bobcats want a chance to win. Questions will have to be answered such as: "Does my team mate have a better shot? Do I want to keep the ball or send it off to the midfield. We have the possession, but cannot get anything going on this side of the field, I'm going to be unselfish and make the defense move." You get the drift. The ladies haven't had a problem with this all year long, but that aspect can get lost in a heart beat when playing against a highly ranked team.
4) HAVE FUN: Isn't that the point of all of this? Granted we all want to win at the end of the day, but if we give a 100 percent effort and have fun while playing, then at the end of the day, we're all winners. If the team is too tense, GCSU will not be able to get into a rhythm. Every sport requires rhythm: look at how the USA Golf Team did this past week. They waited too long to get into a rhythm. And GCSU can't afford to wait too long in this one.
I always say this, but more stories will unfold throughout the contest Wednesday night. Tune into the broadcast on WGUR 88.9 FM in Milledgeville or online at www.gcsuradio.com (listen live button). First kick is set for 6:30 p.m, while air time will be at 6:20. We hope you make your plans to join us.
Wednesday's game is special because:
a) I will be joined by former Bobcat great, Jamie Nevin, on the broadcast.
b) It is "Greek Night" at Bobcat Field. All sororities and fraternities will be present to raise money for their organization and to help those who are hungry. A great cause, as always, put on by the ladies of GC!
Talk to you from Bobcat Field!
Monday, October 4, 2010
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